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I sighed and texted her back with something noncommittal. Tonight wasn’t the night to solve these problems. Then I opened the map app, typed in the address, and started the drive.
The house was in a nice residential area, still in town but far enough from the city center that the houses were bigger and farther apart. It was two stories tall and had a wide footprint, set back from the street and surrounded by a flowering hedge and a wide expanse of grass.
As I crossed the brick path to the wraparound porch, I felt like I was stepping into a secret garden. The edges of the lawn were dotted with flowers and shrubs in the last blooms of summer. Fragrant jasmine climbed up the sides of the porch, and I blushed, thinking about Jonah’s floral taste from only hours before.
I’d barely knocked when the door swung open. Toby stood there with a huge grin on his face. I smiled back, feeling strangely shy.
“Hi, Sylvie. Come in.”
He showed me where I could set down my purse, closing the door before resting his hand against the small of my back. It was a small touch, but it put us close. I let myself enjoy his sunny lemon scent.
“I just ordered some pizza. The other guys are in the kitchen, but I thought I’d give you a tour before we go in there.”
It was obvious he was being thoughtful. They were trying not to overwhelm me. I felt myself relax.
“I’d like that.”
The entryway was at the center of the first floor. To one side, I could see a huge living area with sofas and a big TV, and on the other was a formal dining room with a long table. Toby gestured to it.
“We don’t eat in there unless one of the parent packs is visiting.” He pointed out a bathroom in the central hallway, and I noticed one of Jonah’s paintings on the wall. Then he led me up the stairs. “Jonah’s studio is in a detached building in the back. He said he’d show that to you later. You two have a nice lunch?”
I must have turned five shades of red, but if Toby noticed, he was polite enough not to say anything.
“Yeah, it was a good conversation.”
“Good.” He sounded relieved, and my face cooled. Jonah must not have shared the details. “So, this is my favorite part of the house.”
We stood at the top of the stairs in a large, open room that was dedicated to books. All the walls were covered in bookshelves. Comfortable chairs and a couch, along with various side tables, were spread out around a thick rug in front of a fireplace. There was a small counter and sink in the corner with an electric tea kettle.
It was easy to imagine curling up with a book and a hot drink on one of the couches, reading in front of a fire.
I crossed the room to a tall window that overlooked the back yard, and Toby came to stand next to me. His fingers brushed against my waist.
“Do you mind if I…?”
I leaned back into his side. “No, I don’t mind.” His touch was reassuring, comforting, and I wanted more.
Toby curved his arm firmly around my waist, grazing my hip with his large hand as he pulled me closer. He rested his chin against my temple. I could feel a quiet purr rumble in his chest as I relaxed against him, my hand moving to cover his.
“What are you thinking?” he asked, his voice quiet.
“It’s cozy here. I can see why you like it.” I pointed into the expansive backyard. “Is that Jonah’s studio?” A small structure sat near a line of trees toward the back, with a stone path leading to it.
“Yes. He’s there all hours. Will and I usually end up in here at the end of the day. I tend to read nonfiction, and Will reads mostly fiction.”
“You’re homebodies? I’m surprised.”
He laughed a little, the pleasant vibration against my back making my eyes flutter closed.
“We used to get out more. Jonah talked to you about Edward, right?” I nodded and gripped his hand a little tighter. “After he died, we kind of stuck to the house. Except for Luke.”
“Luke isn’t around as much?”
“No.” Toby stopped purring. I figured that was the end of the discussion, but then he let out a breath, the warm air stirring my hair. “He’s my twin. We grew up confiding in each other. But he’s been really distant since what happened. Like he’s avoiding the pack to avoid thinking about it too much.”
“You’re all still hurting.” It wasn’t a question. Their pain was so apparent.
“Everyone grieves in their own way, I guess.”
